INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND DESTINATION COMPETITIVENESS OFAKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study aimed at examining the relationship between infrastructural development and destination competitiveness. Contextually the study focused on infrastructural proxies like; the availability of sport facilities, access to quality accommodation and the availability of transportation infrastructure as they relate with destination competitiveness. The researchers adopted a quantitative research design approach, utilizing the survey method with the use of questionnaire as the primary data collection method. The target population consisted of visitors met at specific destinations within the study area. This constituted an unknown population; hence to arrive at an appropriate sample for the study, the Walpole (1974) formula was used. Respondents were accessed using the stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected from primary sources using a five point Likert scale questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using the Descriptive statistics to analyze the demographic characteristics of the respondents. To establish the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variables, the multiple regression analysis was used, calculated at a 0.05 significant level. The findings from this study revealed that there is a positive collective significant relationship between Sport infrastructures, transportation infrastructure, and quality accommodation infrastructure and the destination competitiveness of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was recommended that infrastructures such as good road networks, provision of recreation/sporting facilities, quality and affordable accommodations among others, should be provided by the state, as these infrastructures make up the basic needs of visitors and serve as supporting elements and activities that boost their experience during travel and tourism